The Role of Race in Deaths of Despair in Brazil: Is it a White People Problem?

BACKGROUND: A new paradigm has been discussed regarding the impact of economic cycles on the mortality pattern from specific causes. These causes are called deaths of despair, and they selectively impact specific demographic groups. Also, low- and middle-income countries are most affected due to their economic and social instability. In this sense, the objective of study was to compare the magnitude of disparity in deaths from despair according to sex, age, and race in Brazil. METHODS: We performed Poisson regression modeling to estimate the magnitude of the association between sex, age group, race, and deaths from despair. Also, we estimated the relationship of time as a proxy of economic crisis phase and deaths of despair. RESULTS: We found an association between mortality from despair and male sex (PR = 6.15, 95%CI 6.09-6.22); emphasis on the age groups from 40 to 49 years old (PR = 2.45, 95% CI 2.41-2.48) and 50 to 59 years old (PR = 2.39, 95% CI 2.36-2.43); and brown (PR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.20-1.22) and black race (PR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.34-1.37). CONCLUSIONS: The present study preliminarily presents the effect of the economic crisis and mortality in the population, with demographic differences. Association with race was opposite to that verified in the original study in the USA, which suggests that this variable should be analyzed in the light of structural context.

Investigation of cancer incidence in ELSA-Brasil.

Low- and middle-income countries have high cancer-related mortality rates, and Brazil has one of the highest incidences of all cancers in South America. Since 2008, the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) follows up 15,105 civil adult servants of college education and research institutions in six Brazilian capitals, collecting relevant information on risk factors for the incidence of cancer and other noncommunicable diseases. This study aimed to describe the methodology for surveillance and investigation of the incidence of primary cancers in ELSA-Brasil. The surveillance and investigation involve annual telephone interviews, data collection of medical registries (biopsy records, chemotherapy/radiotherapy reports, hospital records or death certificates/autopsy statements), eligibility and final classification, date and basis of diagnosis, tumor topography and histological type. The cumulative incidence of all types of cancer in ELSA-Brasil during the first five years of follow-up (2009-2013) was 2.27 %. The challenges encountered in the investigation process are related to the lack of data on the occurrence of distant metastasis and essential details regarding diagnoses. However, the quality control and the adequacy of the methods adopted enables the construction of a solid and pioneering database in the country, which will contribute to advance in research on the natural history of the most frequent types of cancer.

Clinical outcomes and progression rate of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease.

OBJECTIVE: A substantial proportion of patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) have tricuspid regurgitation (TR). This study aimed to identify the impact of functional TR on clinical outcomes and predictors of progression in a large population of patients with RHD. METHODS: A total of 645 patients with RHD were enrolled, mean age of 47±12 years, 85% female. Functional TR was graded as absent, mild, moderate or severe. TR progression was defined either as worsening of TR degree from baseline to the last follow-up echocardiogram or severe TR at baseline that required surgery or died. Incidence of TR progression was estimated accounting for competing risks. RESULTS: Functional TR was absent in 3.4%, mild in 83.7%, moderate in 8.5% and severe in 4.3%. Moderate and severe functional TR was associated with adverse outcome (HR 1.91 (95% CI 1.15 to 3.2) for moderate, and 2.30 (95% CI 1.28 to 4.13) for severe TR, after adjustment for other prognostic variables. Event-free survival rate at 3-year follow-up was 91%, 72% and 62% in patients with no or mild, moderate and severe TR, respectively. During mean follow-up of 4.1 years, TR progression occurred in 83 patients (13%) with an overall incidence of 3.7 events (95% CI 2.9 to 4.5) per 100 patient-years. In the Cox model, age (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.17), New York Heart Association functional class III/IV (HR 2.57, 95% CI 1.54 to 4.30), right atrial area (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.10) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.84) were predictors of TR progression. By considering competing risk, the effect of RV dysfunction on TR progression risk was attenuated. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with RHD, functional TR was frequent and associated with adverse outcomes. TR may progress over time, mainly related to right-sided cardiac chambers remodelling.

An updated list of the Mexican herpetofauna: with a summary of historical and contemporary studies.

The growth in our knowledge of the diversity of the herpetofauna of Mexico has occurred over the period of approximately 445 years from the work of Francisco Hernández to that of a broad multinational array of present-day herpetologists. The work of this huge group of people has established Mexico as one of the most significant centers of herpetofaunal biodiversity in the world. This status is the result of a complex orography, in addition to diverse habitats and environments and the biogeographic history of Mexico. The current herpetofauna consists of 1,421 native and introduced species, allocated to 220 genera, and 61 families. This figure is comprised of 1,405 native species and 16 non-native species (as of April 2023). The non-native species include two anurans, 13 squamates, and one turtle. The level of endemism is very high, presently lying at 63%, with this level expected to increase with time. Species richness varies among the 32 federal entities in the country, from a low of 50 in Tlaxcala to a high of 492 in Oaxaca. Amphibian species richness by state-level can be envisioned as comprising three levels of low, medium, and high, with the lowest levels occurring in the Peninsula of Baja California, a group of seven states in north-central and central Mexico, and a group of three states in the Yucatan Peninsula, with the highest levels occupying the southern states of Guerrero, Puebla, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas, and the medium level in the remaining states of the country. Reptile species richness also can be allocated to three categories, with the lowest level occupying Baja California Sur, a group of central states, and the states of the Yucatan Peninsula, and the highest level found in a cluster of the states of Veracruz, Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. Knowledge of the Mexican herpetofauna will continue to grow with additional studies on systematics, conservation, and the construction of checklists at various levels.

Ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide-1 according to body adiposity and glucose homeostasis.

Objective: We investigated the biological behavior of ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) after a standard liquid meal according to body adiposity and glucose homeostasis. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study included 41 individuals (92.7% women; aged 38.3 ± 7.8 years; BMI 32.2 ± 5.5 kg/m2) allocated into three groups according to body adiposity and glucose homeostasis, as follows: normoglycemic eutrophic controls (CON, n = 11), normoglycemic with obesity (NOB, n = 15), and dysglycemic with obesity (DOB, n = 15). They were tested at fasting and 30 and 60 min after the ingestion of a standard liquid meal in which we measured active ghrelin, active GLP-1, insulin, and plasma glucose levels. Results: As expected, DOB exhibited the worst metabolic status (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c) and an inflammatory status (TNF-α) at fasting, besides a more significant increase in glucose than postprandial NOB (p ≤ 0.05). At fasting, no differences between groups were detected in lipid profile, ghrelin, and GLP-1 (p ≥ 0.06). After the standard meal, all groups exhibited a reduction in ghrelin levels between fasting vs. 60 min (p ≤ 0.02). Additionally, we noticed that GLP-1 and insulin increased equally in all groups after the standard meal (fasting vs. 30 and 60 min). Although glucose levels increased in all groups after meal intake, these changes were significantly more significant in DOB vs. CON and NOB at 30 and 60 min post-meal (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Time course of ghrelin and GLP-1 levels during the postprandial period was not influenced by body adiposity or glucose homeostasis. Similar behaviors occurred in controls and patients with obesity, independently of glucose homeostasis.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of frontline healthcare workers in a highly affected region in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the mental health of healthcare workers (HCWs), especially in low and middle-income countries, which had to face additional political, social, and economic challenges. We thus aimed to assess the prevalence of mental health outcomes and the associated factors in HCWs treating COVID-19 patients in one of the most affected regions in Brazil. METHODS: We used the Respondent-Driven Sampling method to assess the risks of COVID-19 infection and symptoms of mental disorders in nurses, nursing technicians, and physicians who worked on the frontline in the metropolitan region of Recife. 865 healthcare workers completed a survey regarding sociodemographic data, work-related risks, and symptoms of mental disorders - SRQ-20 for common mental disorders (CMD); AUDIT-C for problematic alcohol use; GAD-7 for anxiety; PHQ-9 for depression; PCL-5 for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Gile's successive sampling estimator was used to produce the weighted estimates by professional category. A Poisson regression model with robust variance was used to analyze factors associated with a positive screening for CMD. We will present the results of a cross-sectional analysis of the mental health outcomes after the first peak of COVID-19 - from August 2020 to February 2021. RESULTS: The prevalence ratios for a positive screening for CMD were 34.9% (95% CI: 27.8-41.9) in nurses, 28.6% (95% CI: 21.3-36.0) in physicians, and 26.6% (95% CI: 16.8-36.5) in nursing technicians. Nurses presented a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (23%). Positive screening for problematic alcohol use (10.5 to14.0%), anxiety (10.4 to 13.3%), and PTSD (3.3 to 4.4%) were similar between the professional categories. The main factors associated with CMD in nurses and physicians were related to an intrinsic susceptibility to mental illness, such as previous or family history of psychiatric disorder, and female sex. Among nurse technicians, work-related factors, such as accidents with biological material, presented the strongest association with CMD. CONCLUSION: The mental health of HCWs fighting COVID-19 in Recife was severely affected. It is crucial that healthcare services provide adequate working conditions and psychological support, investing in programs to promote and protect HCWs mental health.

Impacts of scenarios RCP4. 5 and RCP8. 5 on plant physiology in Tapajos National Forest in the Brazilian Amazon using the ED2. 2 model / Impactos dos cenários RCP4. 5 e RCP8. 5 na fisiologia vegetal na Floresta Nacional do Tapajós, na Amazônia brasileira, através do modelo ED2. 2

Models that simulate the process of stomatal conductance (gs) for a given set of environmental conditions are important, as this process is the main mechanism that controls the gas exchange of terrestrial plants absorbing atmospheric CO2 in tropical forests. Simulations were performed for the Tapajós National Forest, in the western Brazilian Amazon, observing the gs process under the current climate scenario (control) and under the scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 (2071 - 2100), using the ED2.2 ecosystem demography model. The results showed that the lower availability of soil water for the plants reduced photosynthesis due to the closing of the stomata. The model results for gross primary productivity (GPP) are similar to those observed in the field, varying about ≈24 MgC ha-1 year-1 for the rainy season and ≈23 MgC ha-1 year-1 for the dry season (average 2002 to 2010) in the control scenario. In the RCP4.5 scenario, simulated GPP was 30.7 and 30 MgC ha-1year-1 for the rainy and dry season, respectively (30.5 and 25 MgC ha-1year-1, respectively, for the RCP8.5 scenario). Our results also show that there may be a limitation on the increase in biomass carbon with the concentration of CO2, as GPP was lower in RCP8.5, despite this scenario having a higher value of atmospheric CO2 relative to RCP4.5.(AU)

Modelos que simulam o processo de condutância estomática (gs) para um determinado conjunto de condições ambientais são importantes, pois esse processo é o principal mecanismo que controla as trocas gasosas das plantas terrestres ao absorver o CO2 atmosférico em florestas tropicais. Realizamos simulações para a Floresta Nacional do Tapajós, na Amazônia Ocidental brasileira, observando o processo da gs sob o cenário climático atual (controle) e sob os cenários RCP4.5 e RCP8.5 (2071 - 2100) usando o modelo demográfico de ecossistema ED2.2. Os resultados mostraram que a menor disponibilidade de água no solo para as plantas reduziu a fotossíntese devido ao fechamento dos estômatos. Os resultados do modelo para produtividade primária bruta (PPB) foram semelhantes aos observados em campo, variando cerca de ≈24 MgC ha-1 ano-1 para a estação chuvosa e ≈23 MgC ha-1 ano-1 para a estação seca (média 2002 a 2010) no cenário controle. No cenário RCP4.5, o resultado da PPB simulado foi de 30,7 e 30 MgC ha-1ano-1 para as estações chuvosa e seca, respectivamente (30,5 e 25 MgC ha-1 ano-1, respectivamente, para o cenário RCP8.5). Nossos resultados mostram que pode haver uma limitação no aumento do carbono da biomassa com a concentração de CO2, uma vez que a PPB foi menor no RCP8.5, apesar deste cenário ter um valor maior de CO2 atmosférico em relação ao RCP4.5.(AU)

Participação sociopolítica nos conselhos municipais de meio ambiente em Canela e São Francisco de Paula/RS / Sociopolitical involvement in city environmental councils of Canela and São Francisco de Paula/RS / Participación sociopolítica en los consejos ambientales municipales de Canela y São Francisco de Paula/RS

Os Conselhos Municipais de Meio Ambiente (CMMA) foram instituídos com a finalidade de assessorar o poder executivo nas questões relativas ao meio ambiente e ser um fórum para as tomadas de decisões. Nesses conselhos, a participação política e a representatividade são importantes e a sua observância é essencial para que sejam discutidas efetivamente suas pautas. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a participação sociopolítica nos CMMA dos municípios de Canela e São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul. As análises foram realizadas com base em dados de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, no período de 2013 a 2017. Concluiu-se que a participação sociopolítica, em ambas as instâncias deliberativas, ainda é precária, tendo como entraves a disparidade de representatividade e a não atuação efetiva dos conselheiros. Porém, entende-se como fundamental a constituição dos CMMA nos dois municípios, evidenciando as lutas ambientais e o caráter democrático e transformador destes espaços.

The Municipal Environmental Councils (CMMA) were created with the aim of advising the executive branch on issues related to the environment and serving as a forum for decision-making. In these councils, political involvement and representation are important and their observance is essential so that their agendas are effectively discussed. The aim of this article is to analyze the sociopolitical involvement in the CMMA of the municipalities of Canela and São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul. The analyzes were carried out based on data from bibliographic and documentary research, from 2013 to 2017. It was concluded that sociopolitical involvement, in both deliberative instances, is still precarious, having as obstacles the disparity of representativeness and non-action effectiveness of the advisers. However, it is understood as fundamental the constitution of the CMMA in the two municipalities, highlighting the environmental struggles and the democratic and transforming character of these spaces.

Los Consejos Ambientales Municipales (CMMA) fueron creados con el objetivo de asesorar al Poder Ejecutivo en temas relacionados con el medio ambiente y servir como foro para la toma de decisiones. En estos consejos la participación y representación política es importante y su observancia es fundamental para que sus agendas sean efectivamente discutidas. El objetivo de este artículo es analizar la participación sociopolítica en el CMMA en los municipios de Canela y São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul. Los análisis se realizaron con base en datos de investigaciones bibliográficas y documentales, de 2013 a 2017. Se concluyó que la participación sociopolítica, en ambas instancias deliberativas, es aún precaria, teniendo como obstáculos la disparidad de la representatividad y la efectividad de la no acción de los asesores. Sin embargo, se entiende como fundamental la constitución de los CMMA en los dos municipios, destacando las luchas ambientales y el carácter democrático y transformador de estos espacios.

Progression of Mitral Regurgitation in Rheumatic Valve Disease: Role of Left Atrial Remodeling.

Introduction: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most common valve abnormality in rheumatic heart disease (RHD) often associated with stenosis. Although the mechanism by which MR develops in RHD is primary, longstanding volume overload with left atrial (LA) remodeling may trigger the development of secondary MR, which can impact on the overall progression of MR. This study is aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of MR progression in patients with RHD. Methods: Consecutive RHD patients with non-severe MR associated with any degree of mitral stenosis were selected. The primary endpoint was a progression of MR, which was defined as an increase of one grade in MR severity from baseline to the last follow-up echocardiogram. The risk of MR progression was estimated accounting for competing risks. Results: The study included 539 patients, age of 46.2 ± 12 years and 83% were women. At a mean follow-up time of 4.2 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.2-6.9 years), 54 patients (10%) displayed MR progression with an overall incidence of 2.4 per 100 patient-years. Predictors of MR progression by the Cox model were age (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.541, 95% CI 1.222-1.944), and LA volume (HR 1.137, 95% CI 1.054-1.226). By considering competing risk analysis, the direction of the association was similar for the rate (Cox model) and incidence (Fine-Gray model) of MR progression. In the model with LA volume, atrial fibrillation (AF) was no longer a predictor of MR progression. In the subgroup of patients in sinus rhythm, 59 had an onset of AF during follow-up, which was associated with progression of MR (HR 2.682; 95% CI 1.133-6.350). Conclusions: In RHD patients with a full spectrum of MR severity, progression of MR occurs over time is predicted by age and LA volume. LA enlargement may play a role in the link between primary MR and secondary MR in patients with RHD.

Landfill leachate biological treatment: perspective for the aerobic granular sludge technology.

Landfill leachates are high-strength complex mixtures containing dissolved organic matter, ammonia, heavy metals, and sulfur species, among others. The problem of leachate treatment has subsisted for some time, but an efficient and cost-effective universal solution capable of ensuring environmental resources protection has not been found. Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) has been considered a promising technology for biological wastewater treatment in recent years. Granules' layered structure, with an aerobic outer layer and an anaerobic/anoxic core, enables the presence of diverse microbial populations without the need for support media, allowing simultaneous removal of different pollutants in a single unit. Besides, its strong and compact arrangement provides higher tolerance to toxic pollutants and the ability to withstand large load fluctuations. Furthermore, its good that settling properties allow high biomass retention and better sludge separation. Nevertheless, AGS-related research has focused on carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus removal, mainly from sanitary sewage. This review aims to summarize and analyze the main findings and problems reported in the literature regarding AGS application to landfill leachate treatment and identify the knowledge gaps for future applications.

A Reexamination of the Herpetofauna of Oaxaca, Mexico: Composition Update, Physiographic Distribution, and Conservation Commentary.

A substantial number of changes to the composition of the herpetofauna of the Mexican state of Oaxaca, including taxonomic additions and deletions, have occurred in the five years since our original assessment of this region. These changes now establish a herpetofauna of 480 species for the state. A number of taxonomic and nomenclatural changes involving the Oaxacan herpetofauna also are discussed. Updated patterns of physiographic distribution, endemism, and conservation status of the members of the state herpetofauna are examined.

Systemic cytokines, chemokines and growth factors reveal specific and shared immunological characteristics in infectious cardiomyopathies.

Heart disease is a major cause of death worldwide. Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) caused by infection with Trypanosoma cruzi leading to high mortality in adults, and rheumatic heart disease (RHD), resulting from infection by Streptococcus pyogenes affecting mainly children and young adults, are amongst the deadliest heart diseases in low-middle income countries. Despite distinct etiology, the pathology associated with both diseases is a consequence of inflammation. Here we compare systemic immune profile in patients with these cardiopathies, to identify particular and common characteristics in these infectious heart diseases. We evaluated the expression of 27 soluble factors, employing single and multivariate analysis combined with machine-learning approaches. We observed that, while RHD and CCC display higher levels of circulating mediators than healthy individuals, CCC is associated with stronger immune activation as compared to RHD. Despite distinct etiologies, univariate analysis showed that expression of TNF, IL-17, IFN-gamma, IL-4, CCL4, CCL3, CXCL8, CCL11, CCL2, PDGF-BB were similar between CCC and RHD, consistent with their inflammatory nature. Network analysis revealed common inflammatory pathways between CCC and RHD, while highlighting the broader reach of the inflammatory response in CCC. The final multivariate model showed a 100% discrimination power for the combination of the cytokines IL-12p70, IL-1Ra, IL-4, and IL-7 between CCC and RHD groups. Thus, while clear immunological distinctions were identified between CCC and RHD, similarities indicate shared inflammatory pathways in these infectious heart diseases. These results contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of CCC and RHD and may impact the design of immune-based therapies for these and other inflammatory cardiopathies that may also share immunological characteristics.

Exploring spatial dependence of cowpea-beans yield using global and local autocorrelation statistics in the Eastern Cariri region of Paraíba / Explorando a dependência espacial da produtividade do feijão-caupi usando estatísticas globais e locais de autocorrelação na região do Cariri oriental da Paraíba

This study evaluated the variability and characterizedthe spatial dependence between some soil attributes in the Eastern Cariri microregion of Paraíba, and analyzed the spatial correlations in order to identify the interactions between such attributes in cowpea bean (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) production. Harvest data of the agricultural years of 2000-2017 in the Eastern Cariri microregion of Paraíba were analyzed. Parameters of the fitted models were estimated using the Maximum Likelihood method and the performance of the models was evaluated based on coefficients of determination (R²), maximum log-likelihood function, and Schwarz’s Bayesian information criterion (BIC). Correlation and spatial autocorrelation between the cowpea productivity and agrometeorological elements was detected through the spatial analysis, using techniques such as the Moran’s index I. The study showed that, according to the performance indicators used, the spatial error model offered better results in relation to the classical multiple regression models and the self-regressive spatial models, indicating that the inclusion of spatial dependence in the models improves the estimate of productivity of cowpea in the microregion of Cariri Oriental da Paraíba.

O estudo tem por finalidade avaliar a variabilidade e caracterizar a dependência espacial entre alguns atributos dos solos na microrregião do Cariri Oriental da Paraíba, bem como estudar as correlações espaciais para identificar as interações entre tais atributos na produção do feijão-caupi. O estudo foi realizado com os dados das safras dos anos agrícolas de 2000-2017, da microrregião do Cariri Oriental da Paraíba. A estimativa de parâmetros dos modelos ajustados foi obtida utilizando o método de Máxima Verossimilhança e a avaliação do desempenho dos modelos foi realizada com base no coeficiente de determinação (R²), no máximo valor do logaritmo da função verossimilhança e no critério de informação bayesiano de Schwarz (BIC). Este estudo também permitiu verificar a correlação e autocorrelação espacial entre a produtividade do feijão e dos elementos agrometeorológicos, por meio da análise espacial, usando de técnicas como o índice I de Moran. O estudo mostrou que, de acordo com os indicadores de desempenho utilizados, o modelo de erro espacial ofereceu melhores resultados em relação aos modelos clássicos de regressão múltipla e aos modelos espaciais autorregressivos, indicando que a inclusão da dependência espacial nos modelos melhora a estimativa da produtividade do feijão-caupi em a microrregião do Cariri Oriental da Paraíba.

Exploring spatial dependence of cowpea-beans yield using global and local autocorrelation statistics in the Eastern Cariri region of Paraíba / Explorando a dependência espacial da produtividade do feijão-caupi usando estatísticas globais e locais de autocorrelação na região do Cariri oriental da Paraíba

This study evaluated the variability and characterizedthe spatial dependence between some soil attributes in the Eastern Cariri microregion of Paraíba, and analyzed the spatial correlations in order to identify the interactions between such attributes in cowpea bean (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) production. Harvest data of the agricultural years of 2000-2017 in the Eastern Cariri microregion of Paraíba were analyzed. Parameters of the fitted models were estimated using the Maximum Likelihood method and the performance of the models was evaluated based on coefficients of determination (R²), maximum log-likelihood function, and Schwarzs Bayesian information criterion (BIC). Correlation and spatial autocorrelation between the cowpea productivity and agrometeorological elements was detected through the spatial analysis, using techniques such as the Morans index I. The study showed that, according to the performance indicators used, the spatial error model offered better results in relation to the classical multiple regression models and the self-regressive spatial models, indicating that the inclusion of spatial dependence in the models improves the estimate of productivity of cowpea in the microregion of Cariri Oriental da Paraíba.(AU)

O estudo tem por finalidade avaliar a variabilidade e caracterizar a dependência espacial entre alguns atributos dos solos na microrregião do Cariri Oriental da Paraíba, bem como estudar as correlações espaciais para identificar as interações entre tais atributos na produção do feijão-caupi. O estudo foi realizado com os dados das safras dos anos agrícolas de 2000-2017, da microrregião do Cariri Oriental da Paraíba. A estimativa de parâmetros dos modelos ajustados foi obtida utilizando o método de Máxima Verossimilhança e a avaliação do desempenho dos modelos foi realizada com base no coeficiente de determinação (R²), no máximo valor do logaritmo da função verossimilhança e no critério de informação bayesiano de Schwarz (BIC). Este estudo também permitiu verificar a correlação e autocorrelação espacial entre a produtividade do feijão e dos elementos agrometeorológicos, por meio da análise espacial, usando de técnicas como o índice I de Moran. O estudo mostrou que, de acordo com os indicadores de desempenho utilizados, o modelo de erro espacial ofereceu melhores resultados em relação aos modelos clássicos de regressão múltipla e aos modelos espaciais autorregressivos, indicando que a inclusão da dependência espacial nos modelos melhora a estimativa da produtividade do feijão-caupi em a microrregião do Cariri Oriental da Paraíba.(AU)

Exploring spatial dependence of cowpea-beans yield using global and local autocorrelation statistics in the Eastern Cariri region of Paraíba / Explorando a dependência espacial da produtividade do feijão-caupi usando estatísticas globais e locais de autocorrelação na região do Cariri oriental da Paraíba

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the variability and characterizedthe spatial dependence between some soil attributes in the Eastern Cariri microregion of Paraíba,and analyzed the spatial correlations in order to identify the interactions between such attributes in cowpea bean(Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)production. Harvest data of the agricultural years of 2000-2017 in the Eastern Cariri microregion of Paraíba were analyzed. Parameters of the fitted models wereestimated using the Maximum Likelihood method and the performance of the models was evaluated based on coefficients of determination(R2), maximum log-likelihood function, and Schwarz's Bayesian information criterion (BIC). Correlation and spatial autocorrelation between the cowpea productivity and agrometeorological elements was detected through the spatial analysis, using techniques such as the Moran's index I. The study showed that, according to the performance indicators used, the spatial error model offered better results in relation to the classical multiple regression models and the self-regressive spatial models, indicating that the inclusion of spatial dependence in the models improves the estimate of productivity of cowpea in the microregion of Cariri Oriental da Paraíba.

RESUMO: O estudo tem por finalidade avaliar a variabilidade e caracterizar a dependência espacial entre alguns atributos dos solos na microrregião do Cariri Oriental da Paraíba, bem como estudar as correlações espaciais para identificar as interações entre tais atributos na produção do feijão-caupi. O estudo foi realizado com os dados das safras dos anos agrícolas de 2000-2017, da microrregião do Cariri Oriental da Paraíba. A estimativa de parâmetros dos modelos ajustados foi obtida utilizando o método de Máxima Verossimilhança e a avaliação do desempenho dos modelos foi realizada com base no coeficiente de determinação (R2), no máximo valor do logaritmo da função verossimilhança e no critério de informação bayesiano de Schwarz (BIC). Este estudo também permitiu verificar a correlação e autocorrelação espacial entre a produtividade do feijão e dos elementos agrometeorológicos, por meio da análise espacial, usando de técnicas como o índice I de Moran. O estudo mostrou que, de acordo com os indicadores de desempenho utilizados, o modelo de erro espacial ofereceu melhores resultados em relação aos modelos clássicos de regressão múltipla e aos modelos espaciais autorregressivos, indicando que a inclusão da dependência espacial nos modelos melhora a estimativa da produtividade do feijão-caupi em a microrregião do Cariri Oriental da Paraíba.

Remnant adhesive flash in orthodontic bonding systems with different characteristics

Introduction: Excess of adhesive around brackets negatively impact oral health of orthodontic patients. Objective: Evaluate the influence of orthodontic bonding system in removal of adhesive flash around orthodontic brackets. Methods: Based on their characteristics, four orthodontic bonding systems were selected: lightcuring adhesive (G1 - TransbondTM XT); pink pigmented light-curing adhesive (G2- TransbondTM Plus Color Change); resin-modified glass ionomer cement (G3 - FujiOrthoTM LC); and auto-curing adhesive (G4 - ConciseTM). For each group (n=10), a single operator placed metal brackets on bovine teeth (n=40) and used an explorer tip to visually remove flash excess. After curing / setting, the sampleswere taken to a stereomicroscope and the Axio Vision 4.4 software was used to measure the area of remnant adhesive flash around each bracket. The quantitative data obtained was analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's post hoc test at = 0.05. Results: The results show that the resin-modified glass ionomer cement (G3) had a larger area of remnant material than the other groups. There was no statistical difference between the other groups (G1, G2, and G4), independently of pigmentation or curing technique. Conclusion: It was concluded that the use of a resin-modified glass ionomer cement results in a larger area of remnant flash excess, which can negatively impact oral health. Pigmentation and curing technique did not influence on remnant flash excess.

Introdução: O excesso de material de colagem que permanece ao redor dos bráquetes impacta negativamente a saúde bucal dos pacientes ortodônticos. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência dos sistemas de colagem ortodônticos na remoção de excesso de adesivo ao redor de bráquetes. Métodos: Baseado em suas características, quatro sistemas de colagem ortodônticos foram selecionados: adesivo fotopolimerizável (G1 ­ TransbondTM XT); adesivo fotopolimerizável com pigmentação rosa (G2 - TransbondTM Plus Color Change); cimento de ionômero de vidro reforçado com resina (G3 - FujiOrthoTM LC); e adesivo autopolimerizável (G4 - ConciseTM). Para cada grupo (n=10), um único operador posicionou os bráquetes em dentes bovinos (n=40) e utilizou uma sonda exploradora para remoção visual do excesso de material de colagem. Após a polimerização / tempo de cura, as amostras foram levadas ao estereomicroscópio e o software Axio Vision 4,4 foi utilizado para mensurar a área de excesso de adesivo remanescente ao redor de cada bráquete. Os dados quantitativos obtidos foram analisados pelos testes de Kruskal-Wallis e post-hoc de Dunn em significância de = 0,05. Resultados: O cimento de ionômero de vidro reforçado por resina (G3) apresentou a maior área de remanescente de excesso. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os demais grupos (G1, G2 e G4), independente da pigmentação ou do método de polimerização. Conclusão: O uso de cimento de ionômero de vidro reforçado por resina resulta em maior área de excesso remanescente, o que pode impactar negativamente a saúde bucal. A pigmentação e o método de polimerização não influenciaram no excesso de material remanescente.

Desfechos funcionais após craniectomia descompressiva secundária à acidente vascular encefálico / Functional outcomes after secondary decompressive craniectomy to vascular brain accident

Introdução: A craniectomia descompressiva (CD) é o procedimento cirúrgico capaz de reduzir a mortalidade em pacientes com edema cerebral secundário a um AVE maligno, porém não garante a recuperação funcional. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil clínico e funcional de pacientes submetidos a CD durante o tempo de internação hospitalar. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em uma Unidade de Acidente Vascular Cerebral (U-AVC) no período de setembro de 2018 a março de 2019. Coletaram-se dados sociodemográficos, estudo detalhado dos prontuários e dados referentes à funcionalidade, incapacidade e alcances funcionais por meio de questionários e avaliação física e neurológica. Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 21 participantes. A maioria do sexo masculino, idade média de 55±10 anos, casados, baixa escolaridade, exerciam algum tipo de atividade remunerada com renda de um a dois salários mínimos. Os fatores de risco mais prevalentes foram hipertensão arterial sistêmica, tabagismo, etilismo, sedentarismo e sobrepeso. Durante o período de internação hospitalar, a maioria dos pacientes evoluiu com altos índices de incapacidade e baixos níveis de independência e funcionalidade cognitiva e motora. Conclusão: Além de apresentarem combinações de diferentes fatores de risco relacionados ao desenvolvimento de AVE, a maioria dos pacientes avaliados apresentaram altos índices de incapacidade e baixos níveis de independência e funcionalidade, necessitando de assistência máxima ou total para realizar a maioria de suas atividades de vida diária. (AU)

Introduction: Decompression craniectomy (DC) is a surgical procedure that can reduce mortality in patients with cerebral edema secondary to malignant stroke, but does not guarantee functional recovery. Objective: To describe the clinical and functional profile of patients undergoing DC during their hospital stay. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study conducted in a Stroke Unit from September 2018 to March 2019. Sociodemographic data, detailed study of medical records, and data on functionality, disability and functional range were collected through questionnaires and physical and neurological evaluation. Results: The sample consisted of 21 participants. Most were male, mean age 55 ±10 years, married, with low education, had paid activity with income of one to two minimum wages. The most prevalent risk factors were systemic arterial hypertension, smoking, alcoholism, physical inactivity and overweight. During hospitalization, most patients evolved with high levels of disability and low levels of independence and cognitive and motor functionality. Conclusion: In addition to presenting combinations of different risk factors related to the development of stroke, most of the patients evaluated had high levels of disability and low levels of independence and functionality, requiring maximum or total assistance to develop most of their daily living activities. (AU)

Decreased Cytokine Plasma Levels and Changes in T-Cell Activation Are Associated With Hemodynamic Improvement and Clinical Outcomes After Percutaneous Mitral Commissurotomy in Patients With Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis.

Mitral stenosis (MS) is a consequence of rheumatic heart disease that leads to heart failure requiring mechanical intervention. Percutaneous mitral commissurotomy (PMC) is the treatment of choice for the intervention, and currently there are no soluble markers associated with hemodynamic improvement after PMC. This study aims to determine the changes in cytokine/chemokine plasma levels, as well as T cell activation after PMC, and to investigate their association with immediate hemodynamic improvement and clinical outcomes. Plasma samples from eighteen patients with well-defined MS who underwent PMC and 12 healthy controls were analyzed using BioPlex immunoassay. We observed that 16 out of the 27 (60%) molecules assessed were altered in patients' plasma pre-PMC as compared to control group. Of those, IL-1ß, IL-12, IL-6, IL-4, PDGF, and CCL11 showed significant decrease after PMC. Stratifying the patients according to adverse outcome after a 28-month median follow up, we detected a significant reduction of IL-1ß, IL-12, IL-6, IL-4, IFN-γ, CXCL-10, VEGF, FGF and PDGF post-PMC in patients without events, but not in those who presented adverse events during the follow-up. Patients with adverse outcomes had lower IL-10 pre-PMC, as compared to the ones without adverse events. In addition, the frequency of CD8+ activated memory cells was increased after PMC, while the frequency of CD4+ activated memory cells did not change. Our results show an association between the decrease of specific cytokines and changes in T cell activation with hemodynamic improvement post-PMC, as well as with long-term outcomes, suggesting their possible use as soluble markers for hemodynamic recovery after MS intervention.

A new species of forest snake of the genus Rhadinaea from Tropical Montane Rainforest in the Sierra Madre del Sur of Oaxaca, Mexico (Squamata, Dipsadidae).

Content of the dipsadid genus Rhadinaea has changed considerably since Myers' 1974 revision. Three species groups are recognized currently in the genus. Our fieldwork in Oaxaca in June 2018 produced a single specimen of Rhadinaea considered to represent a new taxon. This new species is described from converted Premontane Wet Forest in the municipality of Santa Catarina Juquila in the Sierra Madre del Sur of southern Oaxaca, Mexico. It is most closely related to Rhadinaealaureata, from which it can be distinguished easily by color pattern and scutellation, and represents a species group distinct from the other three occupying the genus.

ResúmenLa conformación del género Rhadinaea ha cambiado considerablemente desde la revisión de Myers en 1974. Tres grupos de especies son reconocidos actualmente en el género. Nuestro trabajo de campo en Oaxaca en junio de 2018 produjo un espécimen de Rhadinaea que consideramos que representa un nuevo taxón. Describimos esta nueva especie de bosque húmedo premontano en el Municipio de Santa Catarina Juquila en la Sierra Madre del Sur en el sur de Oaxaca, México. Esta especie está más estrechamente relacionada con Rhadinaealaureata, de la cual se puede distinguir fácilmente por medio del patrón de color y escutelación, y representa un grupo distinto a los tres que forman parte del género.

Influence of sewage sludge, as a substrate, in the plasticity of functional characteristics of plants.

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of sewage sludge application as fertilizer on the plasticity of functional characteristics of species commonly found in the Caatinga. The research was developed in the nursery of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Ceará (IFCE), Quixadá campus, located in northeastern Brazil. Three treatments were applied: raw sludge, sanitized sludge, and no manipulation. In each treatment, five species were planted, each with five individuals, totaling 75 individuals, which were tagged, and 4 months after germination, they were destroyed to obtain dry matter content (TMSF) from leaf, stem (TMSC), fine root (TMSRF), and thick root (TMSRG); leaf area; height and diameter of the seedling; and length above and below the ground. The sanitized sludge was responsible for giving higher values for leaf area, height of the seedlings, and diameter and length of stem and root. However, the dry matter content of the fine roots was higher in the treatment without manipulation. At the community level, as TMSRG increased, TMSC also increased, the same occurred between TMSRG and TMSRF, TMSC and TMSRF, and stem length and leaf area. In the treatment without manipulation, there was a positive correlation between leaf area, height and plant diameter, and negative correlation between root length and plant diameter. Thus, it can be concluded that the use of sanitized sludge is a good tool to increase the availability of soil resources, conferring to individuals' greater dry matter content, greater leaf area, and higher height and diameter above the ground.